I cannot be happier to report that Comox Rec Program Director Patti Fletcher kicks off her monthly column today with talk about the Hands-On Farm.
This gem, which generally is open at The Filberg for eight glorious Summer-time weeks each year, has some big news. We all can jump in for some Spring farm fun (and lots of new farm babies) as it will be open March 17-24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. While it’s open to kids from 1 to 100, tiny people ages 4 and older can also really get in on the Easter action with special Farm Programs that look totally great, the perfect way to spend at least one week of an extra long (read: painful) Spring Break.
Patti, welcome aboard here at CVK, and thank you for our community farm.
Here she is:
As the special Spring Break opening of the Hands On Farm at The Filberg is anticipated by many, others question why a recreation department would be the organizer, operator of a barn full of farmyard animals.
The Farm concept came to the Comox Recreation Commission in the early 1980’s. Recreation staff immediately embraced the concept knowing full well the many benefits such an activity would bring to the wellbeing of the community.
Extensive research and reports speak to the benefits that animals bring to human therapy and well being, particularly for the elderly and the young as well as those with emotional and psychological disorders. Caring and connecting with farm animals gives rise to many positive outcomes.
Farm animals provide us with an unconditional friendship and affection, even laughter and a little startle thanks to the sudden move and squeal of a pig.
This easy acceptance brings a sense of well being and self esteem to many children. The relationship with a cow or a goat, is much less complicated than human being interactions and this can be a safe and secure place for both preschoolers and adolescents. The chance to touch and feel the animals is a comforting sense for children young and old.
We often hear that by petting an animal, one’s blood pressure can be lowered.
It seems that animals can actually heal the body as well as the soul.
Children who are taught how to treat animals respectfully and with kindness will hopefully grow to become kinder, gentler adults.
Children that are taught the care and grooming of the animals realize responsibility and commitment.
Those who see animals in need, injured or harm and can come to their aid are better for our community than those who treat animals with harm and cruelty.
In our urban world focused more and more on a virtual world, the opportunity to connect with nature in ways such as the Farm offers is limited.
Comox Recreation believes this time at the Hands On Farm builds a more complete sense of community for many reasons.
Allow yourself, your child, your elder or your teen an opportunity to get in there and make the most of the Farm and feel the wellbeing benefits found in company of the barnyard animals.
Today’s comment challenge: What are your favourite memories of animals from childhood? Any tips on building that into your families now?
Marieke and Emily, I have Boynton books for you!
I always grew up in big cities. I remember the hands on museums where we touched east coast ocean life in the states… animals at hands on farms at every chance and lizards at a couple reptile zoos.
Hands on shows were and still are a huge hit for our family (minus the snake for me!)
Every year during Spring Break my mom would take my sister and I to Victoria for a day. We would go to the museum, shop, go out for lunch and the highlight of the trip was our stop at the Beacon Hill Park petting farm where they always had baby goats.
My kids are blessed as they have a hands on opportunity every day. They take our goat Daisy for walks, collect eggs from the chickens and say hi to the cows and sheep as they wander through the fields. Right now we are in the middle of lambing season and there are always a few lambs whose mommies can’t or won’t feed them – my girls love cuddling up with those babies and feeding them a bottle. While I, definitely a city girl, am still adjusting to farm life, they wouldn’t know any different – how lucky they are.
Thanks for the books Robin – how exciting! Let me know what I need to do:)
In Melbourne we are lucky enough to have Collingwood Children’s Farm where the children can experience what it would be like to have a farm animal.
As a child one of my strongest memories of farm animals was taking a goat home with me. I found it wandering in a near by street and desperately wanted to keep t as a pet. My mum and dad quickly tracked down its owner, who was happy to have their goat back.
This sounds like a fun activity for the kids during spring break. Thanks for sharing it here.